Journals of Dorothy Wordsworth, Vol. 1 (of 2)

Wednesday, 6th August.-- ... William came home from Keswick at eleven o'clock. Thursday Morning, 7th August.-- ... William composing in the wood in the morning. In the evening we walked to Mary Point. A very fine sunset. Friday Morning.--We intended going to Keswick, but were prevented by the excessive heat. Nailed up scarlet beans in the morning.... Walked over the mountains by Wattendlath.... A most enchanting walk. Wattendlath a heavenly scene. Reached Coleridge's at eleven o'clock. Saturday Morning.--I walked with Coleridge in the Windy Brow woods. Sunday.--Very hot. The C.'s went to church. We sailed upon Derwent in the evening. Monday Afternoon.--Walked to Windy Brow. Tuesday.-- ... Wm. and I walked along the Cockermouth road. He was altering his poems. Wednesday.--Made the Windy Brow seat. Thursday Morning.--Called at the Speddings. In the evening walked in the wood with W. Very very beautiful the moon. Sunday, 17th August.-- ... William read us The Seven Sisters. Saturday, 23rd.--A very fine morning. Wm. was composing all the morning. I shelled peas, gathered beans, and worked in the garden till 1/2 past 12. Then walked with Wm. in the wood.... The gleams of sunshine, and the stirring trees, and gleaming boughs, cheerful lake, most delightful.... Wm. read Peter Bell and the poem of Joanna, beside the Rothay by the roadside. Tuesday, 26th.-- ... A very fine solemn evening. The wind blew very fierce from the island, and at Rydale. We went on the other side of Rydale, and sate a long time looking at the mountains, which were all black at Grasmere, and very bright in Rydale; Grasmere exceedingly dark, and Rydale of a light yellow green.